Page 53 - ION Indie Magazine_JanFeb 2019
P. 53
Kenny
Benefit for Pastoralist Child Foundation
https://pastoralistchildfoundation.org
South Orange Performing Arts Center • South Orange, NJ • November 4, 2018
https://www.sopacnow.org
Story and Photography by Greg Hild
http://gregoryjhild.com
A Living Legend. This is a phrase that could readily be used to describe jazz master Kenny
Garrett. One of the most respected musicians in modern jazz and a major influence on the
sounds of modern saxophone players, his role of “legend” traces to his younger days where
he was at the side of Mile Davis as his sax player in the trumpeter’s last five years. Since that
time, Garrett has established himself in his own right, with a sound and musical intensity that
is distinct. He is a legend very much alive and evolving, with much still to say musically.
On this occasion, Kenny Garrett was performing in support of a charitable event for
Pastoralist Child Foundation. This organization works to end genital mutilation, forced
marriages, and to overall empower young women in Kenya and beyond. It was founded by
the performer’s wife, Sayydah Garrett, and Samuel Siriria Leadismo, a waiter she met while
visiting Kenya on vacation in 2012. Their story is remarkable and the work they do is
absolutely moving and meaningful. I had just come to hear one of my favorite performers in
the world, but I walked away with this great organization on my mind and inspired.
